Free agents all Fantasy owners should watch

When Fantasy Football owners go shopping for a player off the waiver wire, they're looking for the best possible player to either fill a hole on their roster or replace an unproductive player. Those owners who routinely check out who's available usually fare better than those who only give a look a few times per season.

In the NFL, everyone's looking for a similar fix every day of the week. But no date looms larger than the opening of free agency, when unsigned players are free to negotiate with any and all interested parties. It marks the beginning of when NFL clubs aim to get better.

Alge Crumpler will be a solid tight end for someone next fall. (US Presswire)

Obviously, paying attention to who goes where is vital for Fantasy owners. When players change teams, the trickle-down effect hits multiple clubs and several key skill-position players. For instance, when Jamal Lewis left Baltimore for Cleveland via free agency, his value stayed the same as an every-down back for the Browns, but he'd give enough of a running presence to help out their passing attack. A day later, Willis McGahee filled the void for the Ravens, boosting the overall value of their offense, and the Bills were left without a running back until Marshawn Lynch was drafted. As it turned out, all three runners did well in their new surroundings, but it doesn't always turn out this way.

Throwing a monkey wrench into all of this are free-agent designations like "franchise tags" and "first-round tendered restricted free agents." We'll explain those as we get into the key free agents, but they're there to help clubs retain their best players.

Let's check out the key names in free agency that Fantasy owners should pay attention to this offseason. Remember, the signings made in March and April will play a role in Fantasy drafts in July and August (and Fantasy championships in December). Click here for a more detailed list of Fantasy-relevant free agents.

Derek Anderson, QB
Where he spent 2007: In Cleveland, where he helped lead the Browns to a 10-6 record.
Offseason expectation: With him orchestrating the next great NFL offense, Anderson isn't likely to get away. He's a restricted free agent who will be tendered at the highest level, meaning any club that signs him would have to give up first- and third-round picks as compensation.
Where he might land: Unless a rival franchise sees Anderson as someone they can build around, he'll be back in Cleveland.

Bernard Berrian, WR
Where he spent 2007: With the Bears, setting career-highs in receptions and receiving yards in only his fourth season.
Offseason expectation: Unless the Bears franchise him, which is unlikely, Berrian will have his pick of the litter from clubs desperate for receiver help. Berrian has excellent speed and very good hands, a dangerous combination against most secondaries.
Where he might land: A California native, Berrian likes to play in warm weather. Receiver-needy teams like San Francisco, Miami, Tennessee, Philadelphia, Tampa Bay and Minnesota (dome!) might be interested in Berrian's services.

Alge Crumpler, TE
Where he spent 2007: With the Falcons, failing to go for 500 yards for the first time in five seasons.
Offseason expectation: A surprise cut by the new regime in Atlanta, Crumpler should find himself with a club that needs a quick fix at tight end. That means a team that feels they have to win now will take a shot on him at a reasonable price tag.
Where he might land: Seattle and Tampa Bay are two clubs that could use a veteran tight end to help them compete for a Super Bowl crown. Tennessee, Buffalo, Indianapolis, New Orleans and Carolina might also consider him.

Jamal Lewis, RB
Where he spent 2007: With the Browns, where he had a renaissance season with over 1,500 total yards and 11 total touchdowns.
Offseason expectation: Lewis was a perfect fit for the Browns, and both he and the team said they'd like to keep their relationship ... but he's still unsigned. They appear to be hung up on the length of the contract (Lewis wants a three-year deal, the Browns want a two-year deal). If their talks continue into March, another team could make a play for Lewis (29 years old next season).
Where he might land: Clubs looking for a power runner might consider Lewis, but the Browns are expected to retain him. If not, he'd fit right in with what Atlanta and Chicago need at running back.

Randy Moss, WR
Where he spent 2007: New England, where he set the single-season receiving touchdown record.
Offseason expectation: The Patriots may have gotten Moss cheap via trade last year but will pay up to keep him. He's expected to be franchised, which means he'll be offered a one-year guaranteed deal in the amount of the five highest-paid wide receivers, and any other team that signs him would have to give the Pats two first-round picks.
Where he might land: He's going nowhere. New England will be his home team in 2008.

Michael Turner, RB
Where he spent 2007: In San Diego, as the backup to LaDainian Tomlinson -- for the fourth straight season.
Offseason expectation: Turner has the ability and health to be an every-down back in the NFL. Suffice to say, he will be in demand.
Where he might land: Any team with a hole in its backfield. Houston, Chicago, Detroit and Atlanta are among those looking for a running back.

Other key players for Fantasy owners to watch: QB Rex Grossman, RBs Aaron Stecker and Derrick Ward, WRs Drew Carter, Justin Gage D.J. Hackett and Bryant Johnson.

Key Fantasy players who have re-signed: QB Shaun Hill, RB Justin Fargas.

Do you agree with Dave? Send your thoughts to DMFantasyFootball@cbs.com and we'll post the best responses. Be sure to put Attn: Offseason in the subject field. Include your full name, hometown and state.